It's our quiet epidemic.
Over the last year, 668 New Zealanders took their own lives. That's the highest number of deaths by suicide since records began.
And the news for our kids doesn't get any better. In fact, our youth suicide rate is the highest in the developed world, and Māori are disproportionately represented in these devastating statistics.
The Hui's final programme of 2017 is dedicated to our rangatahi.
Mental health advocate Mike King talks to the students from Whanganui City College about self-esteem, bullying, addiction, taming the inner critic and the importance of friendship.
It's confronting, its candid and most importantly it's hopeful.
- Mike King explains why mental illness is hard to see
- New Zealand's suicide rates will rise - Mike King
Watch the video.
Where to get help
- Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
- Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
- Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
- Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- 0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
- *Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
- Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service on (09) 623 4812.
The Hui
